Tag: STEM

Scottish STEM charity marks record year

Over 50,000 people reached nationwide

  • Scottish STEM charity, TechFest, celebrates a landmark year of achievement, having reached more than 50,000 people across the UK in 2025 through its education, engagement and outreach programmes. 
  • Throughout the year, TechFest delivered its year-round programme of activities and events, engaging participants of all ages and continuing its mission to make STEM fun, inclusive and accessible for all. 
  • By working in partnership with schools, local communities, education institutions and STEM volunteers, the organisation has inspired learners of all ages to explore wide range of STEM careers and build new skills and confidence while supporting educators and families nationwide. 
  • Dr Martha Gavan, Managing Director at TechFest, said: “Reaching more than 50,000 people in a single year shows huge progress, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. Those are not just numbers but a powerful reflection of the hard work and commitment that goes into everything we do, and of how impactful STEM can be when it’s made engaging, inclusive and fun.”

Scottish STEM charity, TechFest, is celebrating a landmark year of achievement, having reached more than 50,000 people in 2025 across the UK through its education, engagement and outreach programmes. 

Over the past year, TechFest has continued to deliver on its mission to make Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fun, engaging and accessible for all, getting 52,559 participants across its year-round programme of activities and events, and successfully reaching 30 out of 32 Scottish educational authorities. 

Through work and partnerships with schools, local communities, education institutions and ambassadors, the organisation has inspired learners of all ages to explore STEM subjects, develop new skills and build confidence in their abilities, while also supporting educators and families across the country. 

Dr Martha Gavan, Managing Director at TechFest, said: “Reaching more than 50,000 people in a single year shows great progress, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved.

“Those are not just numbers but a powerful reflection of the hard work and commitment that goes into everything we do, and of how impactful STEM can be when it’s made engaging, inclusive and fun. 

“As we look ahead to 2026, I am hugely excited about what the future holds for TechFest, for STEM education, for Scotland and the UK as a whole. We have a real opportunity to build on this momentum, expand our impact and help empower the next generation to see STEM as something that’s truly for them.” 

This exceptional level of reach has been driven by the success of several flagship programmes. TechFest’s Primary Outreach, a catalogue of STEM school workshops taken across Scotland to help engage pupils in a fun and dynamic way, has proven particularly impactful, reaching more than 15 thousand people.  

As well as that, 24 Days of STEM, a festive programme engaging people of all ages with interactive STEM challenges every day until Christmas has also continued to grow in scale, achieving a record number of participants. 

The charity’s achievements reflect the dedication and expertise of its staff, volunteers, ambassadors, partners and supporters, whose collective efforts have enabled STEM opportunities to reach communities in every part of the UK. 

This milestone year also coincides with a new chapter for TechFest, following the appointment of Martha as Managing Director. With more than seven years’ experience at the organisation, including four as Deputy Managing Director, Martha has played a key role in expanding TechFest’s reach. 

As Managing Director, she will build on this momentum, championing engaging and inspiring STEM activities that support young people and contribute to Scotland’s growing STEM-rich knowledge economy. 

She added: “With strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose and growing national reach, the organisation enters the coming year well positioned to continue making a lasting difference and ensuring STEM remains exciting, relevant and accessible for generations to come.”   

TechFest’s mission is made possible through the vital support of funders, sponsors and partners who share its commitment and passion to inspiring the next STEM generation.  

Its impressive reach and impact this year have been achieved through strong partnerships with organisations across industry, education and the public sector. 

The charity welcomes new industry partners who are keen to support and inspire the future workforce, and encourages anyone interested in learning more to get in touch with Martha to explore opportunities to get involved. 

Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens

Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign, inviting families, supporters and science enthusiasts across the UK to Double the Discovery and help give thousands of young people the chance to fall in love with STEM.

For one week only (2–9 December), every donation made to Dynamic Earth will be doubled through The Big Give, the UK’s largest online match-funding campaign.

With more than 30,000 children visiting Dynamic Earth’s Learning Bases each year, many from communities who face barriers to accessing high-quality science learning, the charity is calling on the public to help create classrooms where curiosity can truly come alive.

Upgrading the spaces where science starts

Funds raised through The Big Give will support essential upgrades to Dynamic Earth’s Learning Bases: hands-on, immersive classrooms where Scotland’s young explorers learn about volcanoes, space, climate, coding, engineering and the wonders of the planet.

Matched donations will go directly towards equipment that teachers, parents and community groups say makes the biggest difference:

  • £20 – new early years floor mats to support sensory storytelling for budding young scientists
  • £50 – flexible furniture to better support diverse needs, including young wheelchair users
  • £100 – tablets to build tech confidence for tomorrow’s coders and engineers

These improvements will help Dynamic Earth continue delivering more than 250,000 science learning experiences every year, ensuring every child, regardless of background, can experience the joy and excitement of discovery.

Dynamic Earth’s programmes have a powerful track record of removing barriers to STEM engagement.

Dynamic Earth’s impact is best reflected in the voices of the schools, teachers, parents and young people who experience its programmes first-hand.

Their feedback highlights how transformative, accessible, hands-on science learning can be, sparking curiosity, boosting confidence and opening doors to opportunities many learners would not otherwise have.

Teacher feedback:

“The workshops were excellent and engaged the pupils with plenty of interactive activities. Information was aimed at the right level and the course leaders were engaging and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.”

“The workshop we attended was brilliant in the way the activities were so active and engaging. I feel that I gained a lot of information in different ways, and it gave me ideas of how to use active learning in my classroom.”

“The majority of pupils who came on the trip had never even been to Edinburgh let alone Dynamic Earth. This real life experience of leaving the classroom to visit an educational experience really does make the difference to our pupils and many refer to it as being the best day of S2.”

Parent feedback:

“It is an amazing club. The kids love it, learn from it and the staff are amazing. So lucky to have this club!!”

“Is enhancing my daughter’s interest in science and gives her an opportunity to meet like minded peers”

A call to support the next generation

Speaking about the campaign, Dynamic Earth Director of Fundraising and Marketing Helen Chomczuk said: “This is about giving every child the chance to feel that spark; the moment science suddenly makes sense, becomes exciting, becomes theirs.

“With matched funding in place, every pound goes twice as far, helping us build better spaces for learning and ensuring that more young people can experience the wonder of our planet. We’re asking the public to stand with us in giving the gift of discovery this Christmas and inspire tomorrow’s scientists.”

How to take part

The Big Give Christmas Challenge runs from 2–9 December 2025, with all donations doubled while match funds last.

Supporters can give via the campaign page: 

Learning Comes To Life at Dynamic Earth – Big Give

600 Edinburgh girls gather to address the gender gap in Computing Science

600 school girls from 15 state and independent schools across Edinburgh and the surrounding areas have gathered today for the third annual Fearless Women in Computing event at St George’s School.

The event aims to address the gender gap in Computing Science by bringing together schools, tech companies and innovators to create an immersive, hands-on experience, with more than 20 companies in attendance, including The National Robotarium, IBM and The Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh. 

Computing Science teacher and founder of dressCode, Toni Scullion, said: “The Fearless Women in Computing event is a fantastic initiative.

It’s amazing to hear the sounds of high fives and exclamations from the girls when they solve a problem or make something happen.  If we don’t act now, we won’t see equality in our lifetime.”

St George’s Head, Carol Chandler-Thompson, said: “Women make up only 22% of the AI workforce, meaning they are being left out of the most influential, high-paying jobs of the future.  

“Our Fearless Women in Computing event brings together state and independent schools, companies and innovators.  The day is an eye-opener to the world of computing.”

Through hands-on workshops, dynamic demonstrations and real-world role-models, the day underlines that tech careers are for everyone and encourages these young women to step confidently into their future in computing, STEM and tech careers.

Edinburgh school tackles gender gap in computing science with event open to girls across the city

With girls and women remaining underrepresented in computing at school and in the industry, Toni Scullion, teacher, campaigner and founder of non-profit charity dressCode, is working with St George’s School in Edinburgh to inspire more girls to see a future for themselves in the tech industry.  

The all-girls school is hosting its third annual Fearless Women in Computing event on Tuesday 11 November, an event which is open to all schoolgirls across Edinburgh. The event, which last year attracted 600 girls from 13 schools from four council areas, aims to encourage more girls to pursue computing science in school and in their professional lives.  

The day-long event will feature immersive experiences, workshops and stalls in collaboration with more than 20 companies, including The National Robotarium, IBM and The Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh.

There will be several guest talks on topics, including AI and women in tech, careers in finance and tech and seeing yourself in computing.  Skyscanner will sponsor transport for girls from state schools to attend, with priority given to providing the opportunity to pupils from areas of high deprivation.  

Scotland needs 13,000 new digital professionals yearly but produces only 5,000, with women making up just 23% of the digital technologies workforce in Scotland, revealing the clear need for more gender diversity within the industry.  

The gap begins at school – girls studying Computing Science in Scotland has dropped from almost 10,000 in 2001 to under 2,500 today, giving Computing Science the largest gender gap of any traditional STEM subject.  

Toni said: “I founded dressCode after noticing the inequality in Computing Science when I first became a teacher, and while we have made positive progress, there is still a need for urgent action.

“Girls almost always outperform boys in Computing Science through school and university, but as it stands only 23% take the subject at National 5, a percentage that only drops at each level to Advanced Higher.  

“The Fearless Women in Computing event is a fantastic initiative. It’s amazing to hear the sounds of high fives and exclamations from the girls when they solve a problem or make something happen.

“Positive experiences are what people remember and this event is incredible for the pupils; you know that these are moments that will stick with them and form their future choices. 

“Unfortunately there is no equity of access to Computing Science in Scotland, so not every pupil is fortunate enough to experience Computing Science and decide if it is something they enjoy; the door isn’t just closed, there is no door.

“If we don’t act now, we won’t see equality in our lifetimes – this event isn’t just a step in the right direction, it’s a critical action to ensure girls are the architects of a future designed for all.” 

dressCode was founded in 2017 to bridge the gender gap in Computing Science by engaging, inspiring, and raising awareness about the diverse opportunities available in the tech industry. 

Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head at St George’s, said: “Women make up only 22% of the AI workforce, meaning they are being left out of the most influential, high-paying jobs of the future.

“We know how important it is to show girls from early in their schooling that there is space for them in AI and technology industries, which is why we made Computing Science a core subject from P5 to S2.

“This summer 80% of our Higher Computing students achieved an A grade– it’s clear that when girls are encouraged to take Computing Science, they thrive.  

“Our Fearless Women in Computing event brings together schools, companies and innovators from across Scotland to create a hands-on, inspiring experience for girls across Edinburgh.

“We have seen first-hand the impact these events can have – hearing the stories of women in the industry, seeing the recent advances in robotics and AI, even “hacking Google” – the day is an eye-opener to the world of computing, and we would encourage as many schools as possible to come along.” 

100% of girls study Computing Science from P5 to S2 at St George’s, with a focus on building confidence and encouraging participation among pupils.

The school offers community lessons on Friday afternoons, so any girl from an Edinburgh state school can attend and benefit from the facilities and expertise available.  

The Fearless Women in Computing event is on 11 November from 9:30am – 3pm at St George’s School, Edinburgh.

It is open to any Edinburgh school girl from P6 to S6.  

Helping inspire the future leaders of tomorrow: Edinburgh Science invites pupils to explore careers in STEM at Careers Hive

27 – 30 Oct, National Museum of Scotland 

Exhibition open to the public between 3:15 – 5pm daily 

www.edinburghscience.co.uk

#CareersHive

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Edinburgh Science is pleased to announce the return of its annual Careers Hive, a 4-day long schools’ event at the National Museum of Scotland.

Returning for its 10th iteration between 27 – 30 October, P7 and S1-3 pupils from schools across Scotland will be in attendance, uncovering the possibilities of a career in STEM (science, technical, engineering, maths) through hands-on activities and discussions with STEM professionals. 

Throughout the day, Careers Hive can be accessed by pre-booked schools only, with families and visitors invited to explore the Grand Gallery Interactive Exhibition activities each evening from 3:15 to 5pm. 

Initially developed in 2016, to address the problem of young people not choosing STEM subjects in school, Careers Hive continues to support the development of a STEM skills pipeline across Scotland, empowering young people to develop the skills they need to meet the challenges of tomorrow.  

At Careers Hive pupils will be able to experience:

  • Grand Gallery Interactive Exhibition with four themed zones where they engage with STEM professionals and try out different hands-on activities related to real jobs including examining artifacts in the NMS collection, testing forms of housing insulation, and exploring the technology behind hearing aid devices. 
  • The Think Tank, a dedicated space for pupils to informally chat one-on-one with STEM professionals and ask the questions that matter to them most.
  • Life After Leaving School: A panel discussion during which they hear from early-career STEM professionals from a range of industries about their education and career stories. 

Showcasing that there is no one pathway to achieving your careers goals, this year’s Life After Leaving School panel includes speakers with diverse educational backgrounds and journeys who are working in industries across Scotland today.

Panellists include Cameron Clark, a modern apprentice with Scottish Water who was recently named Net Zero Apprentice of the Year 2025, and Mahzabin Sheikh who gained a Master’s degree in Mental Health before discovering an interest in coding and completing a Software Engineering Apprenticeship. 

Also appearing as a panellist is Patricia Berakova who completed an apprenticeship with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and now works with rare and endangered plants in their research collection.

Meg Scott is on-track to become a civil engineer, having completed a three-year Graduate Apprenticeship job and was recently named Graduate Apprentice of the Year, recognising her contribution to meeting Scotland’s net zero targets through her work on active travel schemes with AECOM.

Named as one of The Young Women’s Movement’s 30 under 30 in 2022, Abi Gardner is a geographer and ecologist at NatureScot and the youngest ever Trustee at Changeworks, one of Scotland’s largest environment charities. 

Hassun El-Zafar, Director and CEO at Edinburgh Science said:“We are delighted to bring Careers Hive back to the National Museum of Scotland for its tenth iteration, offering 2,000 pupils an opportunity to think about their futures and discover the wide-ranging opportunities available in the STEM sector.

“As the demand for STEM skills continues to grow, addressing the skills gap is more urgent now than ever before.

“By connecting with real-life STEM professionals, Careers Hive visitors will learn about the incredibly varied skills and strengths required by the organisations and industries working to make the world a better place.”

Careers Hive is supported by a range of funders, please see below for a full list. Edinburgh Science school projects reach around 20,000 people every year.

Careers Hive 2025 supporters: Baillie Gifford, Edina Trust, City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Airport, British Army, Illumina, Institute of Acoustics, Merck, Red Rock Renewables, Resilience Skills, ST, Vattenfall.

Venue and programming partner: National Museum of Scotland

PICTURE: Hope Holmes

TechFest continues its mission of inspiring Primary Schools across Scotland 

TechFest, Scotland’s leading STEM charity, is continuing its Primary Outreach Workshop programme, including the TechFest Dome, one of its most immersive STEM experiences. 

The charity invites primary school pupils across Scotland to join its interactive workshops that aim to make STEM fun and engaging through hands-on activities and demonstrations. 

These initiatives support TechFest’s mission to aim to ignite imaginations and inspire a lifelong passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics among young learners. 

Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager at TechFest, said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to discover just how exciting and full of possibilities STEM can be.

When children get to ask questions, get hands-on experiences and see science and technology come alive around them, it is these moments that inspire the next generation of Scottish scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers, who will tackle the big challenges and shape a better future for us all.” 

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TechFest, the leading Scottish STEM charity, is continuing its Primary Outreach Workshop Programme, alongside The Dome, TechFest’s mobile planetarium, which is one of TechFest’s most immersive and popular STEM experiences. 

Coinciding with the start of the new academic year, TechFest gives the chance for primary school pupils across Scotland to explore a wide range of STEM opportunities, all designed to ignite imaginations and foster a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Through the Primary Outreach programme, TechFest offers a diverse selection of interactive workshops that bring STEM subjects to life in classrooms across the country. Each session is designed to engage pupils via hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges. These activities allow young learners to experience STEM in a fun, accessible and inspiring way. 

The workshops explore a range of topics from how magnets and circuits work, to discovering gravity and forces, solving maths puzzles, exploring renewable energy and understanding how our bodies function. 

Complementing the workshop initiatives is the TechFest Dome, sponsored by the Apache Corporation, an immersive experience delivered inside TechFest’s state-of-the-art inflatable dome, which transforms school halls into a captivating window to the universe.  

Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager at TechFest, said: “We’re delighted to relaunch our Primary Outreach programme and bring back the Dome for another year, as part of our mission to make STEM learning more exciting, engaging and accessible for children across Scotland.  

“We believe every child deserves the chance to discover just how exciting and full of possibilities STEM can be.

“When children get to ask questions, get hands-on experiences and see science and technology come alive around them, it is these moments that inspire the next generation of Scottish scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers, who will tackle the big challenges and shape a better future for us all.” 

Using Digitarium Zeta projection technology, the TechFest Dome brings astronomy and space science to life for pupils of all ages.

Younger pupils can discover where the Sun goes at night and how it moves across the sky through the seasons, while older pupils enjoy a guided tour of the constellations and planets, learning how the night sky changes and uncovering myths like the story of Perseus and Ursa Major. 

These initiatives align with TechFest’s mission to enhance accessibility by developing programmes rooted in STEM, making the subjects fun and engaging while establishing meaningful connections with industry and education, inspiring young people pursue a future in STEM. 

For more information about the Primary Outreach and The TechFest Dome, please visit the links. 

Scottish Charity empowers students to design life-changing products for the visually impaired

  • ‘Innovation in Action’ invites S4–S6 students across Scotland to tackle real-world challenges through creativity, teamwork and bold ideas. 
  • Students are tasked by Scottish Charity, TechFest, with creating a solution that will help improve life for visually impaired people, through everyday tools, game-changing apps or innovative ideas. 
  • Wendy Findlay, National Programme Manager at TechFest, said: “STEM is all about using creativity to solve real-world challenges and this project puts students in the driver’s seat to lead with bold, inclusive, and sustainable ideas that matter. 

Leading Scottish charity TechFest, is launching its design competition ‘Innovation in Action’ for S4-S6 students across Scotland to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

The project is open for school registration now and invites students to design a practical and sustainable product or app that improves life for visually impaired people. 

Teams of 2 to 6 students will plan every detail, conduct market research, investigate materials and the costs of various production methods, before documenting their journey in a 10-page report and in a 3-minute video.  

Pupils will be supported with both a guidebook and expert-led pre-recorded masterclasses on entrepreneurship, sustainable manufacturing, finance, visual impairment and market research. They will also be invited to attend live, online ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions where they can directly ask these experts questions. 

The selected finalists will deliver a 10-minute online sales pitch to the judges in December 2025. 

TechFest is a charity that inspires people of all ages to engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Through interactive activities, they show how STEM builds transferable skills and opens doors to diverse careers, proving that STEM is exciting, relevant and essential to everyday life. 

The Innovation in Action Competition, supported by the NCR Foundation, helps to develop skills in design, sustainable manufacturing, teamwork and communication; all tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences, including people with visual impairments. 

Participants will explore the challenges of visual impairment, learn to adapt designs, and build core skills in project management and budgeting. 

Wendy Findlay, National Programme Manager at TechFest, said: “Too many young people turn away from STEM because they can’t see themselves in it. They think it’s boring, too hard or doesn’t matter. We aim to change that.  

“This project shows them that STEM is a way to be creative, to care and to change lives, including their own. It’s about turning ideas into reality and showing every student that their ideas can truly make a difference.” 

Yvonne Whitaker, Director at NCR Foundation, said: “At NCR Foundation, we believe every pupil has the potential to use their STEM skills to build something great.

“Innovation in Action is designed to nurture that potential by giving every student the opportunity, support and tools to bring their ideas to life, so no child’s STEM talents go undiscovered.”  

This CREST Award aligned programme will run online to ensure accessibility to schools across Scotland, including those in the most rural areas. 

Candidates in the winning teams will each receive an Amazon voucher, and the 1st place winners will receive a trophy to keep at their school. 

Schools that wish to take part must register via the TechFest website by the 27th of August: https://techfest.org.uk/education/ages-over-11/innovation-in-action 

STEM NEXT: Students invited to enter Annual Essay Competition hosted by Scottish charity

  • Scottish charity TechFest invites students aged 16-18 worldwide to enter STEM NEXT, its annual essay competition celebrating ideas and passions in science, arts or humanities. 
  • TechFest is a charity that embraces challenges, delivering STEM-based initiatives created in partnership with industry and education to shape the future workforce. 
  • Wendy Findlay, National Programme Manager at TechFest, said: “I’ve met so many young people with brilliant ideas and real potential to drive change, especially in STEM, but often they don’t see it in themselves. Through the STEM NEXT competition, we’re not just offering a challenge, we’re giving them the support and real-world connections to help them build confidence and see a future for themselves in these industries.”

Scottish charity, TechFest, challenges students from around the world to take part in its annual essay competition, STEM NEXT, as part of its mission to empower young people to share their ideas across science, arts and humanities. 

Students aged 16–18 are invited to submit a 1000-3000 word essay on a topic of their choice within one of the three main categories: Energy & Innovation, Medicine & Psychology or Chemistry & Biological Sciences.  

The competition presents an independent challenge for students, offering them a platform to sharpen their research and writing skills while building better critical thinking and communication, which prove to be essential for future studies and careers. 

Besides promoting and developing research, analysis, and communication skills within the participants, the solo digital competition offers them a unique chance to interview and engage directly with industry professionals, gaining valuable first-hand insight into their chosen field.  

The project, held in partnership with CNOOC International, Serica Energy, SSE Renewables and Thistle Wind Partnership, will officially commence on the 16th of June with the deadline for submissions 29th of August.  

TechFest is a charity that embraces challenges, delivering STEM-based initiatives created in partnership with industry and education to shape the future workforce. 

Wendy Findlay, National Programme Manager at TechFest, said: “The STEM NEXT competition isn’t just about essays, it’s about unlocking the potential of young people who are genuinely excited about STEM but often unsure of where to start. 

“As someone involved in this project, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is for students to have a role model. Someone they can talk to directly, learn from, and show them that a career in STEM is within reach. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, to watch a young child’s confidence grow and know you played a part.” 

Mike Seaton, Project Director, Coire Glas at SSE Renewables said: “STEM NEXT is helping develop the skilled talent we’ll need to tackle real-world challenges.

“That’s why we believe it’s vital to engage young minds early, encouraging them to think creatively and practically about the future, especially as we work towards a more sustainable, renewable energy landscape.” 

Victoria Allan, Mechanical Engineer at CNOOC International, said: “We’re eager to hear bold, practical ideas from young minds who will shape the future.

“We can’t wait to see the innovative solutions this year’s participants bring to the table.” 

Elise Murray, Environmental and Compliance Advisor at Serica Energy, said: “Innovative ideas and fresh perspectives have never been more crucial for our industry.

” STEM NEXT empowers young people to question the norm and create solutions that will propel the sector ahead, all while inspiring the future leaders of STEM.” 

Kirsty MacAulay, Communications Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “As a Scottish based developer, we’re thrilled about the opportunity to hear inspiring ideas from Scotland’s youth.

“Scotland has a proud tradition of innovation and leadership in shaping the future, and we’re eager to see how the next generation continues this legacy” 

Young people competing in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards and it also provides an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application.  

Moreover, the 1st place winners in each category will be awarded with £200 of Amazon vouchers, 2nd place winners in each category will be awarded with £100 of Amazon vouchers, and 3rd place winners in each category will be awarded with £50 of Amazon vouchers. 

Students and volunteers who would like to participate must register their interest via the website by TONIGHT – 4th JULY 2025 at:

https://techfest.org.uk/education/ages-over-11/stem-next-essay. 

STEM comes to life for early years students with Schools Festival

  • Aberdeen charity, TechFest, is hosting the School Science Festival, running from May 26-30, to inspire northeast students to become future scientists and engineers.
  • Primarily sponsored by bp and Shell, the festival will offer a range of exciting programs for children from Nursery to Primary 7. From meeting exotic animals and learning about renewable energy, to exploring genetics and the human body through hands-on activities and real-life scenarios.
  • ‘Schools Science Festival’ will feature an exciting lineup of STEM workshops from TechFest and partners such as Glasgow Science Centre, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Dynamic Earth and others, further supporting the charity’s mission to make STEM more accessible through collaboration with industry and education.
  • Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager, TechFest, said: “Our Schools Science Festival isn’t just about learning, it’s a chance for young people to believe in themselves! Whether it’s getting hands-on in exciting workshops, exploring new ideas, or tackling real-world challenges, we’re here to help them build their confidence and show them just how far their potential can take them.”

Aberdeen-based charity, TechFest, is hosting its Schools Science Festival from May 26-30th to enhance STEM knowledge among Northeast youth and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists.

Held at Robert Gordon University campus, the festival offers hands-on STEM activities for Nursery to Primary 7 pupils, from meeting exotic animals to exploring genetics and renewable energy, starting at just £2.

The programme, led by TechFest and esteemed partners like Glasgow Science Centre, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Dynamic Earth, will showcase an engaging array of STEM workshops.

This initiative aligns with TechFest’s mission to enhance accessibility by fostering collaboration between industry and education while making STEM fun for all.

Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager, TechFest, said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to follow their dreams and have the confidence and passion to do so.

“Our Schools Science Festival makes that possible by connecting schools with our incredible sponsors and partners, inspiring the next generation to grow and thrive.

“We encourage every school to take full advantage of this opportunity. I believe that together, we can empower students, spark their curiosity, and build brighter futures for all!”

TechFest’s schools program supports participating institutions in integrating the ‘Developing Young Workforce’ agenda into their curriculum, offering students valuable insights into diverse career pathways.

The workshop hosts and lecturers, including environmental experts, university professors, and industry professionals, will provide valuable insights into the industry, foster relationships, and inspire young learners.

TechFest is dedicated to developing initiatives rooted in STEM, making the subjects fun and engaging while establishing meaningful connections with industry and education, to help young people pursue a future in STEM.

TechFest’s Schools Science Festival is jointly sponsored by Shell and bp and is tailored to support classroom learning through the Curriculum for Excellence.

Doris Reiter, Senior Vice President, bp North Sea, said: “The schools festival is a key feature of TechFest’s annual programme. 

“We’re pleased to be supporting it again and helping young people to explore the boundless possibilities of STEM.”

Simon Roddy, SVP of Shell UK Upstream, said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of TechFest.

“We hope that the variety of activities and experiences on offer will encourage people to engage with STEM and learn about the skills needed to help shape and develop our energy system.”

Following the Schools Science Festival, TechFest will be hosting Family Activity Weekend, which is one of the most popular events in the TechFest calendar!

Taking place Sat, 31st May – 1st June, this incredible weekend gives the opportunity for thousands of visitors to explore the world of STEM in an inspiring, fun and relaxed fashion.

The weekend is made up of two days of workshops, shows and activities for families to get involved with.

For more info https://techfest.org.uk/news-events/news/item/67-activity-weekendvisit


New STEM guide launches to support careers leaders to inspire students into engineering and tech futures

Careers leaders across the UK can now benefit from a new STEM careers guide to help drive passion and interest amongst young people for a future in engineering and technology – predicted to grow faster than any other sector between now and 2030.  

‘Advancing STEM careers provision in schools’ has been created to support those responsible for careers programmes in schools inspire students to view engineering and technology as an exciting, meaningful and accessible career option.   

The free resource highlights tips with practical strategies grounded in the latest research. 

Rebecca Healy, Careers Inspiration Manager, EngineeringUK, said: “The guide acts as the latest digest of current research about what works to increase young people’s awareness and inspiration about STEM careers, saves time and helps career leads bring to life the dynamic world of STEM.

“Engineering and technology careers span every sector, from sport to space. Engineers play a key role in improving sustainability and achieving net zero and they’re in demand at all levels, from apprentices to technicians, graduates to postgraduates.”

Developed in collaboration with EUK Education’s Careers Working Group, the free resource aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks (England) and the Careers Education Standard (Scotland), to ensure that career planning is both effective and comprehensive.

EUK Education Careers Working Group includes careers inspiration experts from a UK secondary school, STEM Learning, UCL Engineering, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Physics, BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology 

More young people need to be made aware of opportunities and different entry routes into the sector, which employs around 6.3 million people, as employers are reporting skills shortages and difficulties recruiting. Currently around 16% of the UK engineering and technology workforce is made up of women. 

Séan Harris, Deputy Director General and Director of Membership at the Institution of Civil Engineers, commented: “The Institution of Civil Engineers recognises the vital role that career leads and educators play in inspiring young people and showcasing the exciting, diverse opportunities that a career in engineering can offer—particularly in addressing global challenges such as achieving carbon net zero.  

“As an active member of the EUK Education’s Careers Working Group, we are proud to support the launch of this new STEM careers guide.

“We hope it provides practical, actionable guidance to help career leads elevate STEM careers both within the school curriculum and as part of a broader careers education programme.” 

Download the guide